My Top 5 Yoga Must-Haves
This week, I’m sharing my top 5 must-haves for my yoga practice!
I was taking class on Monday and one of my fellow yogis was raving about how much of a game changer yoga mat towels are for practicing. She was giddy that she can now take back-to-back classes and not have to worry about practicing on a mat that feels like a slip n’ slide (#hotyogalife). I totally understood where she was coming from and it got me thinking about my must-have yoga products. I believe that you can practice yoga anywhere wearing anything but these products have been a great addition to my practice. Here are my top 5:
1. Manduka mat
I will be the first person to tell you that you don’t need expensive accessories and yoga pants to be a ~yogi~ but one piece I highly recommend investing in is a good yoga mat. When I first started practicing, my mom and I got mats from Kmart. They were super thin and consequentially pretty uncomfortable — savasana felt like lying down on a hardwood floor. Not very conducive to zen. Those mats lasted for about a week. Then we got some thicker mats at Marshalls but after a few months those started to wear down as well and became very slippery. I then decided to spend a little more and invest in a good yoga mat that would last. I asked some other yogis which mats they preferred and decided to purchase a Manduka mat. This mat has lasted me more than 3 years and I love it! Last year, I purchased another Manduka — I leave one in my car and one in my room. 🙂 This type is a little thicker and just as great! Manduka has a wide variety of thickness levels, colors and textures. The rubber grip on the mat is great prevention for slipping and all of the mats are made with the smallest environment footprint possible. Winning! Tip: if your local yoga studio sells a mat you like, ask if they have any upcoming sales or promotions. Many studios do and then you can save a few bucks.
2. Manduka towel
Every yogi I know has been there, you’re in the flow, getting your namaste on and all of the sudden a limb slips out from under you and you see your life quickly flash before your eyes. Okay, this may sound slightly dramatic but when you slip out of nowhere it is scary! It’s also a pain to spend your whole class focusing on how not to slip when you just want to practice and zen out. Even the best yoga mats can get a little slippery in a hot yoga class. I like to bring a Manduka towel to class with me to keep on hand if the class gets hot and I feel some sliding coming on. I don’t always need it but when I do, I’m always glad I brought it! Having a yoga towel that is the full length of your mat is super convenient compared to attempting to make a small bath/gym towel fit on a long mat. Tip: I’ve found Manduka yoga towels at Marshalls. I also have towels I’ve gotten there from random brands and those work too!
3. Teleties
I cannot stand when my hair is in my face while I’m practicing yoga or working out. Regular hair ties always seem to find a way to slip out of my hair. It may seem like the epitome of #firstworldproblems to have to stop and retie your hair during yoga but it really is inconvenient. When I’m practicing I don’t want to get out of the flow to stop and fix my hair. I recently discovered hair ties at my local barre studio that have solved my problem! Teleties actually hold my hair in place and they’re super cute! Teleties are also waterproof (read: sweat proof for hot yoga) and antibacterial. They have a gentle grip that doesn’t cause headaches and I love that they don’t dent my hair after I take it back down. They sell them on Amazon — I purchased the small size since my hair isn’t very thick. As a bonus, your Teleties purchase benefits Global Lyme Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to Lyme Disease research and education. Let your hair down, grab some dry shampoo and be on your way!
4. High-waisted leggings
If I had to choose one kind of yoga leggings to wear for the rest of my life, it would be high-waisted leggings. I love feeling held-in and snug in high-waisted leggings. My boyfriend can’t wrap his mind around why I choose to wear pants that go over my belly button but they’re just comfy! They move with you and I don’t have to worry about a waistband digging into my hips or falling down. If you’re a Lululemon lover or want to invest a little bit more, these are super comfy. I also love this pair by 90 Degree, which don’t break the bank! Whatever your price range, you can find a great pair that will leave you feeling cozy and held in.
5. Essential oil spray
After a relaxing yoga class, I like to keep my bliss going by misting a lavender essential oil spray over my face and neck. Lavender reduces stress and anxiety and induces sleep, which will maintain your peace post-savasana. Sweating a lot in class can also dehydrate your skin and lavender oil can be used to restore skin complexion and reduce inflammation. Lavender is my favorite essential oil — it’s so soothing and calming. I also offer to mist my students with the lavender essential oil spray during savasana as a relaxation bonus. It’s lovely! You can use whichever essential oil spray you like. I like this one from Amazon.
There you have it, some of my favorite yoga products that keep me zenned out and make my practice even more enjoyable. What are your favorite products? Share with me in the comments!